This Was Television On August 27

2006: Deadwood departs the dial

After three seasons on HBO, the acclaimed David Milch drama aired what would ultimately be its final episode. Cost and contract issues intially spelled the end in lieu of a formal cancellation. Chatter in the summer of 2006—and in pretty much every subsequent season since—speculated that Milch would soon formally conclude the series with a full-length movie… or two… or a shortened season’s worth.

Yet the third season finale “Tell Him Something Pretty” remains the last moment of Deadwood to air anywhere, if you don’t count the short-lived animated spin-off, Al Swearengen’s Playhouse. -A.D.